The Kebbi State Police Command has successfully arrested a 20-year-old woman, Maryam Atiku, following a shocking incident where she allegedly attempted to bury her newborn baby girl alive. The arrest comes after the miraculous rescue of the infant, who was found alive in a shallow grave in the Malam Yaro bush area of Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

According to statements released by the Command's Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the disturbing event unfolded on June 25, 2025, around 8:00 p.m. Maryam Atiku, a resident of the Nasarawa area in Kamba, gave birth to a baby girl. Shortly after the delivery, she reportedly tied three pieces of wrapper around the baby's neck, covered her mouth, and then transported the infant to a secluded bush near Malam Yaro village. There, she dug a shallow hole and proceeded to bury the baby alive.

The infant's life was saved through the timely intervention of a local farmer, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad. On June 26, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., while working on his farm situated near Malam Yaro village, Alhaji Muhammad noticed a suspicious patch of freshly disturbed soil resembling a new grave. Sensing that something was amiss, he immediately raised an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby residents. Together, they courageously exhumed the buried baby, who was, against all odds, found to be still alive. The rescued infant was then swiftly rushed to the General Hospital in Kamba, where medical personnel provided immediate attention. Doctors later confirmed the baby's condition as stable after receiving necessary treatment.

Upon receiving the distressing report, a dedicated team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Birnin Kebbi launched a prompt investigation. Their efforts quickly led to the apprehension of Maryam Atiku. During preliminary interrogation, she confessed to the heinous crime of attempting to kill her newborn by burying her alive.

Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani (also referred to as Bello M. Sani in reports), vehemently condemned the act, describing it as “inhuman and unacceptable.” He unequivocally reiterated the command's steadfast commitment to “zero tolerance against any form of child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence” within the state. Commissioner Sani also took the opportunity to urge parents, guardians, and community leaders to diligently protect children under their care and to ensure their future is not compromised due to poverty or any other pressures.

Furthermore, the Commissioner commended the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, for her compassionate support towards the welfare of the rescued baby. He also lauded Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad for his crucial and timely intervention, which directly led to the infant's rescue. The police command has confirmed that the suspect, Maryam Atiku, will be formally arraigned in court, where she will face prosecution. This legal action is intended to serve as a stern deterrent to others who might contemplate similar reprehensible acts.